The Hammers have targeted a move for the former Celtic forward after having a bid for Ibrahim Osman rejected by Nordsjaelland.
David Moyes admires Jota but the 24-year-old has not played a game in the Saudi Pro League since September after being frozen out by Al-Ittihad after they signed Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho last summer.
Jota still remains highly rated after scoring 28 goals and registering 26 assists in 83 matches during two seasons at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou has been linked with a reunion with Jota but the Tottenham manager has reservations about whether he could make an impact in the Premier League.
Any move for Jota could be complicated by tax arrangements with the player on £80,000 a week in Saudi Arabia, but West Ham hope to strike an agreement.
Meanwhile, Lyon have made an offer of around £15million plus add-ons for West Ham winger Said Benrahma.
Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move for Maxwel Cornet as West Ham try to trim their wage bill before the transfer deadline on Thursday.
Divin Mubama will not be allowed to leave on loan and will remain at West Ham for the rest of the season.
His contract expires in the summer, but he will keep fighting for his future at West Ham before deciding whether to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
